New Delhi,In an unexpected turn of events, hundreds of junior wrestlers from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi gathered at Jantar Mantar to voice their protest against the loss of a crucial year in their wrestling careers.
The protesters, arriving in buses from various wrestling academies, particularly Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, raised slogans against top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat. Banners conveyed the message, ‘UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers.’
This protest marks a significant shift from a year ago when the trio accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, gaining massive support. However, the current protest focuses on discontent among junior wrestlers who blame Punia, Malik, and Phogat for their halted training and competitions.
Since January 2023, national camps and competitions have been suspended due to WFI’s two-time suspension, with an ad-hoc panel overseeing the sport. The protesters demanded the restoration of the suspended WFI and the disbandment of the ad-hoc panel appointed by the sports ministry.
This unexpected protest reveals internal turmoil within the wrestling community and raises questions about the future of the sport in India.
With inputs from PTI
